Veteran journalist and public relations practitioner, Lekan Alabi, has been buried at his residence in Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, following his death at the age of 76.
The burial rites, held on Sunday, began with his interment at Eternal Homes, Fiditi, in line with Islamic traditions. The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, led the Janazah prayer.
Family members, friends, colleagues, traditional rulers, government officials and other sympathisers attended the funeral to pay their last respects to the late media veteran and the Abese of Olubadan.
Mr Alabi’s death was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by Adeola Oloko, media aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. He passed away in Lagos.
The late journalist served as press secretary to four governors of the old Oyo State between 1983 and 1989 and built a distinguished career in journalism and public relations.
Reacting to his passing, President Bola Tinubu described Mr Alabi as an accomplished journalist and respected public relations expert whose life was marked by dedicated service to the nation.
In a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu praised the late media icon for his outstanding contributions to public service, journalism and the promotion of Yoruba culture.
He noted that Mr Alabi had the rare privilege of serving four former Oyo State governors with distinction as press secretary, while also earning recognition as a cultural ambassador of Ile-Ife and maintaining a close relationship with the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The President extended his condolences to Mr Alabi’s family, Oba Ladoja and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing his death as a significant loss to the country.